Endorsements: St. Joe County

November 01, 2006

Prosecutor Incumbent Democrat Michael Dvorak is facing Republican Gregory Kauffman in the race for St. Joseph County prosecutor. Dvorak, a former state representative for District 8, is seeking his second term. Dvorak has portrayed himself as an experienced prosecutor who has increased child support collections, pursued child predators through his high tech crimes unit and sought to address domestic violence by proposing the creation of a Family Justice Center. Kauffman, a defense attorney whose slogan has been the county "has law but no order," has criticized what he says is a high turnover rate and poor customer service in the child support division. He said Dvorak has a poor conviction rate compared to other counties. We believe Dvorak has been an effective prosecutor who deserves a second term. We endorse Michael Dvorak. Clerk Republican Andrew J. Born is challenging incumbent Democrat Rita Glenn, who is seeking her second term. Glenn has 16 years of experience in the office and has been a competent clerk. Rita Glenn deserves a second term. District 1 Commissioner There are three candidates in this district race. Incumbent Republican Mark Dobson is facing Democrat David Nufer and Independent Thomas Zmyslo. Dobson has not been afraid to tackle controversial issues as commissioner. He believes the county should explore restructuring its government into a "metro-government" model to eliminate duplication of services and take steps necessary to promote economic growth. Nufer believes hundreds of thousands of dollars can be cut merely by identifying the excesses in the county budget. Zmyslo believes taxpayers have been the county's "cash cow" for too long. Dobson has shown a willingness to do what's in the best interests of county residents, even if it is not always popular. We endorse Mark Dobson. Council There are races in four county council districts. In District A, incumbent Democrat Randy Przybysz is being challenged by Republican Joe Thomas, owner of Brookwood Golf Course in Buchanan. Przybysz is a hard-working council member who believes elected officials should be held to their word, which is why he voted to rescind the wheel tax once money from the lease of the Toll Road became available to the county. As a small businessman, Thomas is against government growth and believes homeowners already pay too much in taxes. Randy Przybysz has a straight-forward and honest approach to government. He deserves another term. In District B, incumbent Republican Andrew Kostielney faces Democrat Kevin Kubsch. Kostielney is a young, energetic councilman who is very thoughtful when it comes to considering all the issues that impact county residents. We endorse Andrew Kostielney. Democrat Michael Meuninck is challenging incumbent Republican Dale DeVon for the council's District C seat. DeVon has been a conscientious councilman who cares deeply about the residents in his district and throughout the county, especially the children. He understands that strong families make for a strong community and is willing to work hard to see that families are being properly served. We endorse Dale DeVon. Republican Jennifer Fisher is facing Democrat Heath Weaver for the council's District H seat. Weaver is a former tobacco defense attorney who now is a teacher. He is an intelligent person who will represent the interests of the district well. We endorse Heath Weaver. Unopposed candidates are Democrat Michael Kruk for Council District E, Democrat Peter Mullin for auditor, Democrat Peter J. Nemeth for probate judge, Democrat Frank Canarecci for sheriff and Democrat David Wesolowski for assessor.